Philippines 2026 Foreign Visitor Arrivals Reach 5 Million During First 10 Months

As the Philippines continues to struggle with economic problems (click here, here and here), its foreign visitors arrivals for 2026 reached five million as of October with the United States of America (USA) as the #1 market, according to a news report by VnExpress.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the VnExpress report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to exceed its 2025 count of 5.9 foreign tourists by the end of this year? Do you think there could be an influx of international visitors – including Filipinos who are based overseas) – coming into the country this Christmas season? Do you think the Philippines should continue to rely on Communist China for more foreign tourist arrivals? Do you think international tourism will become more crucial for the Philippines if the national economy continues to get weaker in 2027?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas City Recognized During 2026 NCR SubayBAYANI Awards

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas was cited with two prestigious honors and also got nominated for a grand award during the 2026 National Capital Region (NCR) SubayBAYANI Awards, the LGU announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement of the City Government (translated from Tagalog into English). Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you delighted with the honors the City Government got during the SubayBAYANI Awards for the National Capital Region (NCR)? Are you satisfied with the way public services have been done by the City Government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese National Arrested Over Fake Filipino Identity and Link to 2022 Parañaque City Double Murder

Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a Chinese national was arrested upon arrival by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over the use of a fraudulent Filipino identity and connection with a double murder case that took place in Parañaque City in 2022, according to a GMA News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals living in the city’s local communities using fake Filipino identities? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration still has a lot of work to do to arrest all the foreign criminals who used fraudulent Filipino identities?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Filinvest REIT’s Profit Jumps to P1.3 Billion during January-September 2026 period

Real estate investment trust Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) saw its profit jump 28% to P1.3 billion during the January-September 2026 period and the figure includes revenues from the full-year ownership of Festival Mall (main mall) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, according to a business news report by The Manila Times.

FILRT’s portfolio consists of seventeen office buildings, one shopping mall and one resort lot, with a combined gross leasable area of more than 450,000 square meters. The entity is also one the top taxpayers in Muntinlupa City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the report of The Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think of this development? Do you think FILRT has a bright future of growth even though the economy of the Philippines continues to get weaker? Do you think FILRT will continue to contribute a lot to the economy of Muntinlupa City over the next five years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Man Arrested in Parañaque City over Connection with Fatal Stabbing Incident

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers apprehended a man in connection with a stabbing incident that resulted in the death of a housekeeping staff member, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more violent people lurking within the city? Do you think violent crime will somehow increase locally before the year ends?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Festival Mall ushers in Christmas in Alabang

This past Friday, the Christmas season in Alabang was ushered in by Festival Mall with a lot of excitement during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which unveiled a giant Christmas tree presented in partnership with POP MART.

The event officially launched “The Magic of Christmas” celebration in Alabang and in attendance were top officials of the City Government of Muntinlupa, Filinvest executives, Festival Mall itself and many other invited guests.

Decorated Christmas tree with a Wishes Come True sign and POP MART display in a shopping mall atrium
The fabulous looking giant Christmas tree inside Festival Mall. The mall’s strategic partner POP MART is global designer toy company that connects artists and fans through collectibles and immersive experiences.

I myself attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony which was organized with a lot of excitement and it executed a fresh creative spin on the holiday tradition. Seated at front row were Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Vice Mayor Stephanie “Phanie” Galan Teves-Wong, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun and Festival Mall General Manager Yvette Dizon. Near me were Donna Santiago of South Snippets, some local business owners, bloggers, vloggers and members of the press. Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of spectators who viewed the ceremony.

Man speaking on stage at a POP MART holiday event in a shopping mall, with a large decorated Christmas tree and seated audience.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his remarks to the many guests who attended the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Man holding a microphone on a holiday-themed mall stage beside a decorated Christmas tree, speaking to children in the audience.
Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun spoke to the attendees.

“The reason why we celebrate Christmas is Jesus Christ. And for that, there should be enough reasons for us to celebrate and be happy and thankful,” Mayor Biazon said when he delivered his remarks. “The message we would like to share to the people is that we should be thankful. Whether it is small or large we receive, we have to be grateful for the blessings we receive from God.”

“At Festival Mall, we always wanted to be more than just a shopping destination. We want to be a place for families and friends who come together enjoying new experiences, celebrate special occasions, or simply spend quality time with each other. What better time to celebrate than Christmas? This year, we are bringing to you the unboxing of the magic of Christmas made even more exciting in partnership with POP MART,” Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun said.

Vice Mayor Teves-Wong also delivered her remarks.

After the important words shared by the special guests, a short stage presentation was held telling a short story about Christmas emphasizing the suspense and mystery that come with receiving gifts during the season.

After that, the exciting countdown and formal lighting of the giant Christmas tree happened, and you can watch the short clip by clicking https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EtLcyw1m6/

Decorated Christmas tree with gifts and a “Wishes Come True” sign in a brightly lit shopping mall
This is what the newly lighted Christmas tree looks like from a higher part of Festival Mall.

A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus followed and several children (who were from the City Government and its Social Services Department and others from the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines) received gifts one by one. The invited guests were treated with a Christmas buffet and free-flowing drinks.

Festival Mall’s legacy of Christmas and giving – Festival Mall, which first opened in May 1998 and remains a strong shopping and lifestyle destination in South Metro Manila, is the flagship of Filinvest Malls, the retail business unit of Filinvest Land, Inc. Its Christmas celebration carries the mother brand’s message of community and connection into a place where families and friends come together to shop, dine, and spend time with one another. The partnership with POP MART for the November 6 Christmas tree lighting ceremony placed character-based creativity at the center of Festival Mall’s Christmas story.

Santa Claus seated on an ornate red throne surrounded by people at a festive event
A meet-and-greet between Santa Claus and the children was held during the ceremony. City Government officials and Filinvest executives in the background.
Children posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree and festive holiday display at a shopping mall
Children from Muntinlupa City (and the Social Services Department of the City Government) and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines pose with Santa Claus by the lighted Christmas tree. (photo contributed by Festival Mall).

Along the way, the mall held its 3rd Season of Sharing in partnership with the City Government of Muntinlupa and its Social Services Department. Several children endorsed by the City Government were welcomed at Festival Mall for a special day of fun that includes arcade gaming, amusement rides, meals and the receiving of Christmas gifts. The sharing reflected the mall’s commitment to being an active and caring community partner. Festival Mall hopes to share not only gifts but also meaningful experiences and memories, reminding everyone that the spirit of Christmas is also about extending kindness and making others feel valued.

“For me, if we can make even one child smile, give someone a reason to feel happy, or make a family’s Christmas a little more special, then we’ve already done something meaningful,” said General Manager Yvette Dizon.

Christmas experience this year – For the 2026 Christmas season, Festival Mall is reviving Rhythm & Lights 4 on December 12 which is a Christmas musical celebration in a festive gathering. The said event will give shoppers and visitors a new opportunity to come together and enjoy the season through live performances.

With its Christmas tree as a meeting point with shopping, dining, and leisure experiences around it, Festival Mall is inviting visitors to make their next holiday gathering part of “The Magic of Christmas” at Filinvest Malls.

Five people posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with a Wishes Come True sign in a brightly lit shopping mall.
Filinvest executives pose with Mayor Biazon near the Christmas tree. (photo contributed by Festival Mall)
Group of children and adults in festive costumes posing beneath a decorated Christmas tree at a shopping mall event
The children with the special guests, performers and others posed in front of the many photographers.

In ending this post, I want to point to what Mayor Biazon said about Jesus being the reason we celebrate Christmas. Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations. To learn more about the Him and His eternal holiness, I encourage you all to grab the Holy Bible and read the following references: Isaiah 9:6, John 3:16, John 6:26-40, Matthew 2:1-2, John 5:19-23 and John 8:12. This Christmas, always be thankful to those who gifted you and also to the Lord. Honor and thank Him for all the blessings and happiness you received.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Overstaying Chinese National Arrested in Parañaque City over Involvement in Telecommunications Fraud

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national who has been wanted for his alleged involvement in a telecommunications fraud syndicate and the Chinese Embassy sought his deportation, according to a news report of GMA News. The suspect has been overstaying in the Philippines since 2018 and had entered the country as a foreign tourist.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more illegal aliens or foreign criminals living in your local community? What do you think makes Parañaque so attractive to illegal immigrants/aliens and fugitives? What do you think about the groups of Chinese nationals living in your city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Filinvest City Aims High with New Alabang District

Remember back in 2025 when it was announced that telecommunications giant PLDT will relocate its headquarters to Filinvest City? Filinvest City itself is now aiming high with its new Alabang district called The Quarter which is being developed beside the future PLDT campus and it is being prepared to attract commercial investment, according to a news article by Insider PH.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the Insider PH news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think of this development? Do you think the new Alabang district called The Quarter will help Filinvest City attract more new investment and create both new jobs and more business opportunities in the years to come? Do you think Filinvest City will become to most vibrant and most progressive central business district (CBD) of the south by the year 2030?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Over 700 Patients Receive Free Medical and Dermatological Services in Las Piñas City

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred local patients received free medical and dermatological services during a medical mission involving The Aivee Clinic, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you know anyone who attended the medical mission? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about The Aivee Clinic?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Man and Live-in Partner Arrested in Parañaque City over Illegal Firearms and Obstruction of Justice

Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers conducted a raid against illegal firearms which resulted in the apprehension of a man for firearms and his live-in partner for interfering with the operation according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more loose firearms within the city? Has there been any gun-related incidents that happened in your local community over the past six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673